1974 Lada Riva vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lada Riva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lada Riva would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 2 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (245 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Riva | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2270 mm |
